WHP- Rules and Heights?

[Kokopelli]

I'm getting a 5yo 13.2 registered connie as a project pony he has an amazing jump and I think he'll do brilliant in the show ring. I think WHP is going to be what he does best at.

At 18 am I too old to compete him in WHP classes?

What are the heights of the classes?

Am I right in thinking there is a novice, intermediate and open? What restricts you from these classes?

If I'm too old I do know someone who is 12 who will compete him for me are they young enough to do it?

Anything else I need to know, just read BSPS rule book and I'm even more confused now!

 

[marmalade76]

AFAIA there are no age limits on M&M classes.

Also, a lot of local unaff/PC/RC show don't have age limits on there WHP classes, I am well over 25 and have done plenty of WHP class on 14.2's and smaller (not M&Ms). Seeing as unaff shows struggle to get entries these days, it's a good idea to have classes that are open to as many people as possible.

 

[Kokopelli]

We're definitely going to get out to local shows to do the WHP to see how good he is but I'm hoping he'll be able to start doing it to a higher level.

Will look into M&M classes though.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

In M&M whp, there is no age limit for riders - this is with NPS, P(UK) and BSPS.

However, in std BSPS classes (the plaited ones etc), there IS age limits - your pony at 13.2 fits into the 13 - 14hh class (called 14hh whp. In the open, riders for this class must not have had their 17th birthday before the 1st of January in the current year.

Do pick & choose tho, as some M&M classes are by breed - others are by height.
Check out the NPS whp classes - full range from novice to open.

 

[Kokopelli]

Thanks will go look at NPS now, there's so many societies it's very confusing.

 

[MissSBird]

Depends on society running the show. Check out Ponies Uk, British Show Pony Society and Native Pony Society for mountain and moorland working hunter pony class schedules. The rule books will give you the specific heights for each society.

At 13.2hh (138cm) he'd be in the middle height section for the classes. The average height you're looking at for that height at affiliated shows is 65-85cm depending on if it's a novice or open classes.

At local level the classes tend to be generic m&m workers, with no height split.

As for novice/intermediate/open, it's a little complicated. Forget about intermediate, that has no application to you or your pony. It actually refers to the height of horse, not level in showing. The one exception is in the PUK best rider classes, where the intermediate class is for riders 18-25.

A novice class is one for inexperienced horses. In regards to workers, the jumps are lower and there may be no fillers/fillers to the side. The latter is up to the judges descretion however. The restriction for novice, however, depends (again) on which society is running the show. 90% of the time the details will be printed in the schedule, either by the class or in the rules section. It is usually along the lines of not to have won an open whp class or not to have won prize money of £10 or more in a whp class.

An open classes is a higher and often more testing track, and is eligable to all ponies

The only other thing I can think to say is beware the water splash. NPS have recently added this to their courses, and it involves a large water tray, tarpalin or sometimes natural water feature which you have to negotiate, either by jumping or (usually) by going through. The pace you attack the feature is your own choice, but the pony must be confident in tackling it

Good luck!

 

[SO1]

You are correct for M&M workers there is novice, intermediate and open based on the winnings of the ponies not height of pony or age of rider..

There is no age restrictions for the M&M workers and the middle height start at 70 cm 2.3ft up to I think 85cm 2.9ft.

You might also want to measure the pony just to make sure she is 138 if she does not have a height certificate.

NPS and BSPS are the two main affiliated organizations and I think the BSPS novice classes have restrictions on biting and you have to be in a snaffle but probably best to read the rule books.

NPS also have the starter stakes which is 70cm for the connies and that is restricted so that riders who have qualified for HOYS cannot compete in them as well as for novice ponies too.